VehicleVerdict

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

4

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Lancer Evolution years?

Lancer Evolution NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted116 complaints2003: 116 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 22 complaints2006: 29 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 57 complaints2009: 2 complaints2010: 43 complaints2011: 19 complaints2012: 4 complaints2013: 4 complaints2014: 13 complaints2015: 5 complaints
Lancer Evolution NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Lancer Evolution years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission250%
Electrical System125%
Seats125%

Does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

13V446000TransmissionSeptember 19, 2013 · 10,474 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured from December 12, 2007, through March 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the clutch master cylinder can fail.

Consequence

Failure of the clutch master cylinder reduces the ability to shift the vehicle into or out of gear, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected clutch master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on November 12, 2013. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's campaign number for this recall is SR-13-009.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE CAR IS VERY DIFFICULT TO SHIFT. FROM STOP TO ABOUT 40 MPH, THE SHIFTING FEELS LIKE DOESN'T WANT TO GO INTO GEAR. I WAS TOLD THIS IS NORMAL. THE CAR SEEMS TO SHIFT A LOT BETTER AT HIGHER RPMS; PROBABLY DUE TO LESS OF A SYNCHRONIZATION PROBLEM. MISS SHIFTS CAUSE DELAY IN ACCELERATION. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 1, 2012

“2012 EVO X GSR - FROM JBA MITSUBISHI (GLEN BURNIE, MD). AT 31,651 MILES - I WAS IN A FAST-FOOD DRIVE THRU LINE ORDERING BREAKFAST. THAT IS, 0MPH. ALL OF A SUDDEN, I HEAR A CHIME AND SEE MY INSTRUMENT PANEL FLASH. MY DRIVING-MODE/STATUS LIGHT (WHICH SHOWS TARMAC/SNOW/GRAVEL) HAD TURNED OFF. ANOTHER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 24, 2014

“THE DRIVER'S SEAT SIDE LEG BOLSTER BROKE. UPON REMOVING THE SEAT FROM THE VEHICLE IT WAS FOUND THAT METAL HAD BROKEN WHICH ALLOWED THE BOLSTER TO BREAK. SEEMS DANGEROUS TO ME CONSIDERING THE CARS CAPABILITIES AND THAT IT IS SOMETHING THAT CAN AFFECT THE DRIVER IN A TURN.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · October 23, 2014

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution — common questions

Is the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution reliable?

The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Lancer Evolution years to avoid are 2003, 2008, 2010. The cleanest record among Lancer Evolution years belongs to 2007.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.